Blazers 82, Clippers 80 - Portland blew a 14 point lead in Staples Center one night after blowing a 15 point lead on the very same court. This time they were playing the Clippers, so things worked out OK. Los Angeles managed a pathetic 29 points in the first half, but did make a noble effort in the second. Corey Maggette was hot with 32 points, but missed a big shot with eight ticks left.
Chris Kaman and Sam Cassell were out again. Bill Simmons has an interesting trade rumor about Cassell -- one of his favorite players -- on ESPN's Page 2.
Spiezi-oh-no - Utilityman Scott Spiezio was allegedly a complete and total jackass last December in Irvine, and the full story is just now coming to light. It's one thing to get a DUI (heck, his manager -- Tony LaRussa -- has his own DUI films all over the internet). It's another to flee the scene, bust into your neighbor's house, puke all over the place, and then assault the poor guy. Spiezio, a former Anaheim Angel now with the St. Louis Cardinals, suddenly finds himself a free agent along with other lovable figures like Barry Bonds.
We're Talking Baseball - Jason Schmidt already tired and worn out after a few days of spring training, despite that whole extra year off ... World Anti-Doping Agency declares what we already knew: MLB unfit to police itself ... Castro's resignation could impact MLB.
Elsewhere - Basketball coach blames fans for loss, and he's right ... Bill Bilicheck graces cover of gay mag ... Jon Stewart was a college sports star. Honest. Sorta.
Today's Action - Miami @ Lakers (7:30pm) ... UCLA @ Arizona State (7:30pm) ... USC @ Arizona (6:00pm) ... Kings @ Edmonton (6:00pm).
AP photo by Mark J. Terrill.




Here are some previews of tonight's action from http://pregame.com.........
Miami Heat at Los Angeles Lakers (TNT | 10:30 PM ET)
The Lakers will be looking to win their 10th straight game, and they have won their previous 9 in dominant fashion, going 8-1 ATS. They have averaged 112.9 points during that stretch and have won their last 3 by an average of 17 points. BIG EDGE: LAKERS
Miami has lost 14 in a row away from home, going 2-11-1 ATS. The Heat snapped an 11-game overall skid with a 107-86 home win against Sacramento on Tuesday. They had covered just twice in their previous 11 games. EDGE: LAKERS
Heat are 1-7 ATS in their last 8 Thursday games.
Heat are 1-7-1 ATS in their last 9 road games.
Heat are 13-3 ATS in their last 16 vs. Pacific Division.
Heat are 3-7 ATS in the last 10 meetings.
Lakers are 3-9 ATS in their last 12 Thursday games.
The UNDER is 8-2 in LA's last 10 games as a favorite.
The UNDER is 6-2 in LA's last 8 games vs. Southeast Division.
USC at Arizona (ESPN | 9 PM ET)
USC has won 2 straight both SU & ATS since losing to rival UCLA at home back on February 17th. The Trojans beat both Oregon schools and will try to win their second straight trip to Tucson. They are 4-1 ATS in the last 5 meetings with Arizona. EDGE: USC
USC is 18-6 ATS in its last 24 road games.
USC is 8-3 ATS in its 11 games overall.
Road team is 6-2 ATS in the last 8 meetings.
The OVER is 20-7 in USC's last 27 games vs. Pacific-10.
The OVER is 7-3 in Arizona's last 10 games overall.
The OVER is 7-3 in Arizona's last 10 games vs. Pacific-10.
The OVER is 38-17-1 in Arizona's last 56 Thursday games.